Abstract:
Background and Objective: In Homoeopathy, Solanum nigrum is clinically used in the
treatment of ergotism, meningitis, irritation during dentition and some of the symptoms
of neurological disorders but its Central Nervous System (CNS) potential has not been
explored experimentally yet. Therefore, a preliminary study was conducted with an
objective to evaluate the analgesic and CNS depressant effects of homoeopathic
potencies of S. nigrum in experimental animal models.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Wistar albino rats using a
hot plate, ice plate and Randall–Selitto assay for analgesic; rota‑rod and open field
test for CNS depressant activities. The different potencies (3X, 6X, 12X and 30C) of
Solanum nigrum were administered orally (0.5 ml/rat/day) for 30 days and response
was assessed after 30 minutes of drug administration on 10th, 20th and 30th day.
Results: The result shows that all the four potencies of Solanum nigrum has increased
the latency time required to raise and lick the paws for thermal sensation on hot plate
test and for cold sensation on ice plate test and also increased the degree of threshold
pressure to mechanically induced pain on Randall–Selitto assay but depressed the
motor coordination and locomotor activities.
Conclusion: The result obtained from this preliminary study suggests that homoeopathic
preparation of Solanum nigrum in different potencies possess analgesic and CNS depressant
activities. Further detailed investigations are required for its possible human use.
